This is a place . . .

In a good worship service today with The Centurymen singing and a good sermon on Christian growth and how we follow Jesus, the congregation read responsively from the bulletin four bulleted statements we have had there for some time. I like them because I think they describe what a church is or has been for me:

• This is a place where laughter is shared and tears are understood. • This is a place where questions can be asked and where strugglers find encouragement. • This is a place where new beginnings are found and faith can grow. • This is a place where hope holds together the pieces of the broken heart.

This is First Baptist Nashville or what we want to be